Arsène Wenger, FIFA's head of global football development, criticized the pay-to-play model in US soccer during a roundtable discussion with US Soccer CEO JT Batson and COO Dan Helfrich.
Wenger noted that the system has historically excluded children from poor backgrounds.
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"From outside, I felt that people from a poor background had no real access to the game," he said.
He praised US Soccer's new $250 million headquarters in Fayetteville, Georgia, as a step toward creating a welcoming environment.
"I feel it's important for every footballer, somewhere, to feel you're at home," Wenger added.
Structural Challenges and Long-Term Vision
Wenger highlighted a lack of alignment on technical development policies in US soccer.
He stressed that the federation, not FIFA, should make decisions on advancing the sport given the country's unique landscape.
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He compared current efforts to the establishment of soccer academies in France decades ago.
"I was part of the opening of the first academies in France and it took 10 years," Wenger said, emphasizing the need for consistency in talent identification and nurturing.
CEO JT Batson acknowledged the difficulty ahead.
"This will take time and it will be hard and you have to commit and really stick to it," he said, adding that successful development requires substantial resources and collaboration among stakeholders.
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Wenger concluded that inclusive programs are essential to ensure all young players, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, have opportunities to participate in soccer.
